Legal Secretary

The work of the legal secretaries at Sidley Austin LLP (the Firm) is critical to the overall operation of the Firm and the ability of each and every lawyer to serve the Firms clients effectively. At the Firm legal secretaries are considered professionals and important members of the team. An effective team is based on mutual respect cooperation and commitment to a common goal.

When a secretary is hired by the Firm she or he is hired by the Firm and not by a particular lawyer. Thus secretaries are expected to play an active role in assisting their assigned lawyers and when necessary assisting other lawyers and other secretaries toward the common goal of providing the Firms clients with the best service possible.

To be an effective member of the team secretaries should familiarize themselves with Firm procedures from the way files are organized in the Records Department to the billing procedures of the Accounting Department. To be an integral part of a practice group secretaries should also work with their assigned lawyers in establishing and maintaining the particular procedures of the practice group and the lawyers individual requirements and procedures.

• Advanced skills in MicroSoft Office Suite (particularly Outlook Word Excel)
• Knowledge of Document Management Systems (i.e. DeskSite)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good judgment and strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong time management skills
• Requires strong computer and Internet research skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work proficiently and effectively completes same in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently and anticipate needs of assignments
• Maintains composure while meeting multiple deadlines (even with frequent interruptions)
• Assist and support lawyers in dedicated assignments as well as associates assigned to Practice Support Team(s)
• Conserves assignments time by reading researching & routing email correspondence
• On behalf of assignments liaise with various support departments of the Firm
• Maintains assignments calendars plans and schedules meetings conferences teleconferences video conferences and travel; apprises assignment of schedule in advance of commitments
• Analyzes allocates processes and monitors complex expense reports
• Maintains and updates assignments client/matter lists Outlook contacts and Marketing mailing lists
• Responsible for assignments annual mailings
• Researches and routes correspondence
• Produces information by formatting inputting editing retrieving copying and transmitting documents
• Proofreads and reviews all work produced
• Receives screens and transfers telephone calls; relays telephone messages according to method preferred by assignments (e.g. written messages email or voicemail)
• Responsible for submitting requests for conflicts reports; prepares and monitors creation of new business forms
• Coordinates client billing with billing specialist
• Enters proofreads and finalizes assignments time entries on a daily basis;
• Maintains assigned lawyers files pursuant to the Firms Policy on Records Management
• Support visiting lawyers/clients when required
• Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients and vendors
• Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
• A selfstarter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job; accepts responsibility for actions
• Exercises confidentiality and discretion
• Volunteers to assist others and seeks out work during slow periods in workload
• Continues to develop skills and abilities
• Maintains a safe and unobstructed work area including a neat and wellorganized desk; demonstrates safe work practices
• Other duties as assigned

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors including but not limited to the relevant market skills experience and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation please email (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft suite (Word Excel Powerpoint)
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic knowledge of legal terminology formatting of legal documents and practice groups systems and procedures (e.g. court procedures closings)

Preferred:

• B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university
• Previous experience in a professional services firm (not necessarily all in a law firm)
• Advanced proficiency in Spanish language
• Types accurately at 6070 wpm
• Proficiency in advanced functions of Microsoft suite (e.g. Adobe)
• Excellent command of Blackline packages such as DeltaView

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer